Suárez,Liverpool

Steven Gerrard has warned that Liverpool's season depends on whether they can keep hold of Luis Suárez. The captain says the striker should stay and that if Suárez eventually leaves he should consider going only to Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Gerrard believes an in-from Suárez could make the difference for Liverpool as they chase a Champions League place.

"Where we sit actually right now, it all depends on what decision Luis Suarez makes in the next few weeks," he told the Independent. "If we lose him then the challenge becomes even more difficult. It's that simple.

"If he goes to Arsenal, it obviously makes our season that little bit more difficult. It strengthens them an awful lot and they are our rivals for a top-four position. From the club's point of view it doesn't make sense at all, no matter how much money is put on the table."

Gerrard said that in his estimation Suárez is "the third best player in the world" after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and added: "If he was to go abroad to a Madrid or Barcelona I would totally understand it. He's a South American. He's good enough to play in either of those teams. From a family point of view, it's where they all want to be. If I was him I would wait for one of those two clubs because I think he's good enough to play for them." Gerrard said he had been trying "loads" to convince Suarez of his viewpoint." Staff

Barton to Everton

The former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall has warned the manager, Roberto Martínez, to steer clear of signing Joey Barton after comparing the Queens Park Rangers midfielder to Forrest Gump. Southall, who made more than 500 appearances for Everton, likened Barton to the fictional character played by Tom Hanks in the 1994 film of the same name.

Barton, who spent last season on loan at Marseille, has said he would sacrifice a large proportion of his reported £70,000-a-week wages to play for his boyhood club but Southall told Talksport: "I think they have already got a kitman. What is he going to add to Everton? He might be a half-decent player at times but, if he was that good, Harry Redknapp would be begging him to stay at QPR. I don't see how he will fit into Everton's style of play. He ain't the best passer in the world. Yes he is fit and runs up and down all day but Forrest Gump did that as well didn't he?"

Barton responded on Twitter: "If he thinks I'm Forest [sic] Gump, sound. I'm just made up he knows who I am. I loved him as a player." PA

Turnbull/Khumalo to Doncaster Rovers

Doncaster have signed the former Chelsea goalkeeper Ross Turnbull and Tottenham's South Africa international Bongani Khumalo. Turnbull, who was released by Chelsea, has joined the Championship club on a one-year deal and the midfielder Khumalo has signed on a season's loan. Doncaster have also brought in the former Aston Villa midfielder Harry Forrester on a three-year contract. PA

Chambers, Southampton

Calum Chambers has become the latest academy graduate to commit his future to Southampton, signing a new four-year deal. Luke Shaw, James Ward-Prowse, Lloyd Isgrove, Jordan Turnbull and Jack Stephens have agreed new contracts during the past 12 months and the 18-year-old Chambers has followed suit. The England Under-19 international has impressed at right-back after starting out in midfield. PA